Speaking on Turkey's foreign policies on Channel 7, Babacan stressed that "we hope the U.S. does not take a wrong step pertaining the incidents of 1915". Asked about Turkey's relations with Armenia and April 24, Babacan said that "the Democrats are in majority in the U.S. administration. The Armenian lobby has significant influence on the U.S. Congress". "Compared to previous years, we are in a different process. The new process involves negotiations between Turkey and Armenia," Babacan said. "Every issue gets discussed and elaborated in the negotiations with Armenia. The goal is to normalize relations between Turkey and Armenia," Babacan said.
"The normalization of Azerbaijani, Armenian and Turkish relations will generate a new geopolitical situation in south Caucasus. A decision made or a step taken by a third country on the incidents of 1915 will hurt the process. We are openly talking to our American friends and urging them not to take a wrong step," Babacan said.
In response to a question on Turkish-Israeli relations, Babacan said that diplomatic traffic and communication with Israel has never been suspended. "Our contacts with Israel are regarded as important," Babacan said.
Asked if he is hopeful for peace in the Middle East, Babacan said that "many issues in the Middle East are related to each other. You can achieve results only with an approach that grasps the problems as a whole. Our dialogue with Syria and Iran is part of this process. If you wish to have a deep rooted solution in the Middle East, you have to work with Iran".
In regard to a question on the upcoming visit of U.S. President Barack Obama to Turkey, Babacan said that "Obama will not be visiting Turkey just because it is a predominantly Muslim country. Further, Obama will not be in Turkey only to pay a visit to a country as part of the Alliance of Civilizations Project. Obama's visit to Turkey will take place based on what Turkey is".
"We are working on the details of President Obama's visit to Turkey. It is not certain yet if Obama will deliver a speech in Turkey or whether he will attend a meeting of the Alliance of Civilizations Project," Babacan said.
Turk.Net
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